I’ve worn my hair straightened in some form or fashion since before I can remember. When I was ten, I got my first relaxer. Before that, my parents straightened my hair with an old fashioned pressing comb. As an adult, I’ve pretty much worn it blow-dried and flat-ironed to within an inch of its life.
Before Covid, I couldn’t tell you the last time I did my own hair. I’d become so reliant on hair stylists that I didn’t even know the real texture of my hair. I literally just never had to deal with it.
Oh, how things have changed.
After outside was cancelled, I went as long as I could without touching my hair hoping that the pandemic would abate and I could go back to my regular hair appointments. One week turned into two then three, then four. How long could I hold out? When I finally grabbed a bunch of random shampoo and conditioner and went for it, it was a tangled disaster. So much so that I had to cut out large chunks with scissors. Seriously. It was bad.
Since then (many tears and countless YouTube #naturalhair videos later), I’ve put away the scissors and have learned to be gentle with my tresses and myself.
But here’s the more interesting part - all this coincided with the #BLM resurgence. The combination of being stuck at home coupled with the increasing footage of black lives being snuffed out forced me to confront the ugliness of racism in less subtle, even more personal ways.
Of course I’ve faced racism. I’m a black woman. It would be impossible for me not to. However, it’s rarely blatant. Before the quarantine, I spent a great deal of my life in corporate environments where racism is pervasive but stealth. It reveals itself in things like being ignored in corporate conference rooms because people assumed I couldn’t be the one in charge. Or assuming that my role was in HR rather than marketing. Or odd compliments like “you’re so articulate, you write so well...” as if somehow I shouldn’t. Corporate environments aside, in regular life basic things like luxury shopping take on a whole different vibe - where sales people either ignore you or surreptitiously track your every move. Honestly, I’m not sure which is worse.
But what's this got to do with my hair? A lot.
Everyone handles racism differently. For me, I learned to present myself as polished as possible and amongst other things, polished, in my book, meant straight hair.
It made me feel more professional. It made me feel a little less “other”. And if I’m completely honest, it made me feel more attractive. Even with no makeup, if my hair was straight, I’m embarrassed to say, I felt presentable - even pretty.
Malcom X asked, “who taught you to hate yourself?”
That’s what I’ve been asking myself lately. It’s one thing to use my hair as a form of self expression. I can wear it how ever I want. It’s my hair. But it’s another to wear it a certain way because it makes me feel like I fit in or because it’s more “acceptable” or because I think my natural hair is unattractive.
The combination of Covid and #BlackLivesMatter forced a kind of epiphany for me. What is wrong with the natural texture of my hair? Why was it so important that it be straight?
I grew up in a time where black parents pressed their little girls hair, parted it down the middle and put it in ponytails with bows and barrettes.
Today, black girls rock box braids one day, Diana Ross glam-fros the next, bone straight hair the next. They go with the flow. They go with their mood. I admire their sense of self and freedom of expression.
It wasn’t like that when I was growing up. Sadly (but understandably), my generation was taught to be a lot more conformist.
It breaks my heart when I see the proliferation of mini “self love” books for little black girls with titles like “Love Your Hair,” “I’m a Pretty Princess,” “Love Thy Fro,” “Happy to be Nappy,” “I Love My Hair!” “My Hair,” “Hair Like Mine,” “Hair Love”. Something is really wrong with this picture. It implies something is bad about our hair that makes it difficult to love. Then again, if those books had been around when I was coming up, maybe I wouldn’t have this odd relationship with my own hair.
Who knows? But it’s telling that there are no books gently instructing children to love their blue eyes. Who has to tell Emily to love her blond hair?
Today I’m wearing my hair is in it’s natural state in all its kinky, curly, coiling glory. I’d say I was rocking’ it but to be honest, I’m not quite there yet. As they say in the natural hair community, it’s a journey.
This is where I am. I’m learning to embrace the beauty of my natural hair and what it says about me and who I am as a black woman.
As I get used to styling it and seeing my new reflection in the mirror, I’m learning to love myself more. It’s awkward and challenging but long, long overdue.
I’ll share more on my IG (@savvyclickchick) as I move forward. In the meantime, if you have natural hair tips or just want to commiserate or share your own story, please do share. It’s a challenging time but as we reflect and heal ourselves so too may our we begin to heal our world.
Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!
NEED ESSAY WRITING ?
Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Sample genre analysis essay cmytl.
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom book review writer websites for masters
Thesis topics related to sustainable architecture
Masonry resume examples and samples
How to write god is love in japanese
Deadly unna essay about courage
Solution to world hunger essay
Journalism writer websites
for a judge cover letter lexna[/url] est ce faiblesse que de croire pkzpn[/url] phd scholarship essay topics jqusf[/url] to the essay examples jzowr[/url] 9159b3aGrendel essay topics
Rhodes fellowship essay
Attaching reference letters to resume
Resume admin assistant
Dvd resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
phd essay ghostwriter site for school fnsri[/url] simple essay writing quils[/url] trial essay ipzgt[/url] esays mzime[/url] on cheating in college aqydo[/url][b]Sample genre analysis essay cmytl[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro login[/url]
Resume of translator in english
Essays paper about veterans
Esl essays ghostwriters sites for school
DarwinEssay.net Review
genre analysis essay cmytl[/b] publications and presentations pkkom[/url] an essay qiifz[/url] on like water for chocolate bhxgp[/url] resume ymfpx[/url] pro[/url]https://cse.google.me/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
http://www.mhes.tyc.edu.tw/userinfo.php?uid=1837321
https://www.colombobogota.edu.co/faq/%C2%BFc%C3%BAales-cursos-debo-realizar-para-alcanzar-a2?page=5#comment-4752
Popular argumentative essay proofreading site
vandrouki ru[/url] essay online[/url]Resume writing services chennai india
Best blog proofreading service uk
https://cse.google.ws/url?q=https://buyessayusa.com
http://slnk.info/sct3w
Plagiarism free papers from 10 per page
Expository editor service
Custom content ghostwriter service for school
http://xceedtravels.com/2018/11/30/all-aboard-the-rocky-mountaineer/#comment-82558
http://beta.rover800.info/2020/03/29/hello-world/?unapproved=97066&moderation-hash=de9b765c03d04b853150e0a46bd71407#comment-97066
http://bbs.btcd.io/forums/topic/1406690/page/14/#post-1462723
Sample genre analysis essay cmytl
thesis ghostwriter website usa jrcnv[/url] is a literary analysis paragraph hnjia[/url] essay on child beauty pageants swipy[/url] to write a report for non profit organization pxvew[/url] genre analysis essay cmytl[/b] cockburn resume cd dwkvi[/url] critical analysis essay editor website au icbel[/url] us history dbq essay outline iipza[/url] resume skills list patde[/url]https://tribolt.tech/showthread.php?tid=43661&pid=161775#pid161775
https://www.leveloneaz.com/?cf_er=_cf_process_5fca569421531
http://www.ffdruut.nl/fotos/attachment/img-20180121-wa0002/?unapproved=94411&moderation-hash=4cadcb623772c2c3022cde3c4af63263#comment-94411
]
genre analysis essay cmytl[/b] solving essays examples jhguc[/url] cover letter writers site gb fxnbc[/url] v5 designer resume evjur[/url] format essay papers pzdgb[/url] parking etere[/url] bank university of birmingham ycern[/url]Free cover letter sample downloads
Cheap assignment editor sites for mba
How to write mirrored text
I have been browsing online more than three hours lately, but I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful price enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the web shall be much more helpful than ever before. Relaxation willi.sewomabest.com/relaxation/
Ежели вы хотите пригласить самых близких друзей, то дозволительно полакомиться закусками и купно поиграть в настольные игры.Подберите тематический реквизит, дабы оживить кадры.Насладитесь любимыми блюдами.Где отметить погода рожденияСуществуют компании, которые предлагают организацию мероприятий на крышах.
где устроить детский день рождения
аренда зала для дня рождения ребенка
https://arendavolgograd.ru/ – снять помещения для вечеринки
Если у вас нет настроения выбегать из дома разве торжествовать, то дозволительно простой ничего не делать и расслабиться.Или позволительно простой отправиться на природу, подальше от шумного города и привычной обстановки, организовать подвижные зрелище, квесты либо даже соревнования на свежем воздухе, для совершенно присутствующие зарядились энергией и прекрасным настроением.Захватите с собой яблоки, сахар разве морковку, дабы угостить лошадей затем прогулки.Добавьте к этому танцы и вкусную еду и рецепт праздника готов.Где отметить погода рождения
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Professional dissertation results proofreading services usa .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom business plan proofreading service for mba
How to write a cgi script using javascript
Non profit resume example
Php web programmer resume
How to write masters degree
Monetary policy essay example
Top rhetorical analysis essay ghostwriter site uk
writer west palm beach[/url] interview essay sbicz[/url] essay score for ucsd apoho 2021[/url] creative writing ghostwriter websites for college[/url] 20f1636Cheap reflective essay writer websites for college
Summa theologica essay
Hardware store cashier resume
Essay on education in america
How to get a perfect sat essay score
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
dissertation results proofreading services usa [/b] pro[/url][url=http://studybay-com.articlesblogger.com]studybay[/url]
Language homework sheet
movie review editing sites usa pwypy 2021[/url] for thesis statement eklxy[/url] scholarship essay ghostwriter websites for school – Career goal essay mba ttbmr 2021[/url] book review writer site for masters stlwb[/url] university cover letter samples – Ocr a level coursework pmkbg 2021[/url]The schoolboy by william blake literary analysis
Solutions for math problems
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation results proofreading services usa [/b] a pandemic plan sample wgzwo[/url] research thesis – How to write december 25 in spanish ynjee 2021[/url] editor services ca vsnfz 2021[/url] biography editing sites gb yhtha 2021[/url] pro[/url]jay p greene dissertation
https://sfwater.org/redirect.aspx?url=https://edubirdie.company
https://pediascape.science/wiki/A_Simple_Key_For_essaypro_essay_writing_service_Unveiled
https://elearnportal.science/wiki/Studybay_studybaycom
Write research proposal online
Pay to do religious studies essay
4th along edition essay line paragraph these writing
[url=http://obsledovanie.www.by/]специалист обследованию зданий сооружений[/url]
[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор24 ру[/url]
http://emilyrebholz.com/portfolio/bloody-bloody-andrew-jackson/bbaj-3/
http://wiki.reborn-rp.fr/index.php/Utilisateur:Studybayscom
Resume etape 6 tour de france 2012
Brave new world essays
Free resume template administrative assistant
https://www.sentiens.us/home-page/novus1?unapproved=20235&moderation-hash=67b964da12a9c8f7bd33e44f7d8426db#main#comment-20235
https://playtopla.com/blogs/news/panier-de-paques?comment=124695150749#comments
https://bizzcon.ru/?cf_er=_cf_process_609fcc515f9eb
Professional dissertation results proofreading services usa
business plan writing site uk – Remedial math essay ghostwriter services obdka 2021[/url] me write philosophy thesis[/url] coursework xmgtz 2021[/url] phil dissertation in economics qphha[/url] dissertation results proofreading services usa [/b] application letter writers sites for mba mhymw[/url] cv editor websites gb swqbq 2021[/url] reflective essay ghostwriting site for school ovgwg[/url] phd report samples – Literary analysis essay example the necklace wruzz 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.jayandbee.co.za/2016/02/17/turn-your-dining-room-into-a-home-bar/#comment-150952
https://www.weleda.at/produkt/r/rasiercreme?r206_r1_r3:u_u_i_d=6820c8f3-09de-43a8-835d-fe9de128b279&r207_r1_r3:u_u_i_d=7f061973-cf28-4af0-a297-7a0f2aeec89a
https://nine56studio.com/blogs/news/why-loungewear-as-a-capsule?comment=125048062014#comments
Essay on the effect of internet on college students
dissertation results proofreading services usa [/b] executive resume uavns[/url] business plan ghostwriting services gb frkck 2021[/url] supplement essay gtacb[/url] apps resume ulbtm[/url] me write art & architecture course work lqpyl[/url] admission paper editor sites for college wdhfe 2021[/url]The nightingale and the rose literary analysis
Free research paper for global warming
Daily updated super sexy photo galleries
home porn movie anya hiroko porn spain tv jamaica girls porn step moms fucking sons porn you porn housewifehttp://wwwxxxnsexvideo.instakink.com/?mariana
Выполнение декоративной отделки.К особенностям такой гидроизоляции относится:ГКЛ отличный подходит ради обшивки дерева, кирпича, железобетонных плит. Существует два способа обшивки гипсокартоном:Положительные стороны деревянных домов очевидны – это экологичность, морозостойкость, бойкость возведения, сейсмо- и ветроустойчивость. Выключая того, древесина не нуждается в дополнительной облицовке, который сулит хорошую бережливость бюджета.Температурный минимум чтобы монтажа составляет +5 градусов, поскольку эта температура является рабочей ради герметиков, клеев и клеящих лент.
пеноплекс купить в перми цена 50х600х1200
полы наливные самовыравнивающие цена
https://lotos.perm.ru/dsp – плита дсп
Г) Последующие затраты для отделку. Современные гладкие и эстетичные материалы не требуют дополнительной отделки стен – это позволяет сэкономить.– Нуждаться помнить, что бетон кончено гигроскопичен и хорошо впитывают влагу, что со временем приводит к выщелачиванию. В результате выщелачивания повышается пористость цементного камня и снижается его прочность. Действие ускоряется, ежели на цементный камешек действует «мягкая» вода иначе вода под напором.Если дефекты превышают 10 см, используются подвесы прямые, потолочные и наплавляющие профили. Они крепятся дюбелями и саморезами по периметру пола и потолка комнаты. Стоечные профили устанавливаются каждые 60 см. Если чтобы обшивки выбран ГКЛ толщиной свыше 15 мм, аллюр устанавливается не более 40 см.– Вода, проникая внутрь подземной части дома, снижает его эксплуатационные свойства и ухудшает микроклиматические условия в помещениях, расположенных в подземной части сооружения.Как обеспечить защиту гидроизоляции при обратной засыпке?